Cold storage facilities save South Kashmir apple growers from heavy losses after highway closure

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The temporary blockade caused by landslides and bad weather had raised serious concerns among orchardists, as apples, being perishable, require timely transportation to retain their freshness and market value. However, with the availability of modern cold storage units in the Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts, farmers have been able to safeguard their produce and avoid major financial losses.

Apple grower Shafi Lone from Pulwama said the cold storage network helped minimise losses caused by the highway disruption.

“The recent highway closure severely impacted our fruit industry, but cold storage proved to be a blessing. Without it, our losses would have been much higher. Earlier, a wooden apple box cost around Rs 100-200, but if the produce wasn’t preserved properly, e